Rahman Ajibola scored a stoppage-time equaliser to earn Sheerwater a 2-2 draw at Abbey Rangers in the Combined Counties Premier Division South.

In the early exchanges the Sheers survived a number of long throws going into their penalty area. At the other end, Theo White tried his luck from long range with a shot that sailed over the Abbey bar.

Sheerwater nearly went ahead on 40 minutes when a poor pass from Abbey’s Tj Taylor was intercepted by Kareem Foster, who drove into the area but shot wide of the Abbey goal.

Abbey took the lead on 44 minutes when a corner that sailed into Sheerwater’s crowded penalty area was headed home by Josh Stepney.

The home side doubled their advantage early in the second half after the Sheers blocked two attempts and the ball came out wide to Jae Kelly, who struck a decent shot pass the valiant attempt of Sheerwater keeper Joe Hill.

The Sheers looked for a way back into the game and went close on 66 minutes when White drove into the Abbey area and the ball broke to Elliot York, whose shot went past the Abbey post.

The Sheers pulled a goal back on 69 minutes. George Mackie kept a ball in that was destined to go out of play that was then not cleared by the Abbey defender, and York pounced to make it 2-1.

Sheerwater should have equalised a minute later, but Ajibola headed wide of the target.

The Sheers went close again on 78 minutes when White’s flick was well saved by Abbey keeper Sam Gray.

Sheerwater continued to plug away in search of a leveller, and got their reward in stoppage time when Ajibola helped the ball over the line despite an attempted clearance from the home side.

By Trevor Wenden